Main bag – You will need a rucksack or holdall, 60 litre minimum capacity. One with a waterproof cover is really helpful. Please avoid hard suitcases.
Day bag/small rucksack – Needed for your field work for carrying water, paper, pens, binoculars, cameras etc.
Waterproof plastic/zip lock bags – These are very useful to keep the water out of your kit and clothes. You can line your rucksack with a bin/garbage bag and have smaller bags for clothes and items like your camera.
Roll mat or thermarest – Necessary for both warmth and comfort in the forest. Roll mats can be purchased cheaply, whereas Thermarests are more of an investment (be sure to buy a repair kit).
Sleeping bag – It generally does not get below around 20 Celsius at night so a lightweight sleeping bag will be fine.
Water bottle/platypus – A combination of leak-proof water containers (total capacity 2 litres) is imperative.
Strong head torch – Night-time opportunistic walks require the strong headlamps. Please note that the small headlamp models are no good for spotlighting nocturnal wildlife such as snakes and amphibians, etc, but are excellent back-up torches. Don’t forget spare batteries!
Waterproof jacket – Rainfall is unpredictable in this part of the world, so a plastic poncho or lightweight rainjacket is invaluable.
Watch with alarm – It doesn’t have to be anything technical. A travel alarm clock will also do.
Biodegradable soap/shampoo – To minimise impact on the environment we ask all volunteers to bring ‘green’ detergents.
Insect repellent – For any projects where you will be handling or in close proximity to animals (in particular amphibians) you will need a non DEET based repellent. However for other times DEET based repellents are fine. Many of our staff use Mosi-guard which can be bought from Amazon.
Sunblock – Factor 30, minimum, is recommended. Please ensure it is a coral friendly sunblock if you intend to use it in the water.
Talcum powder – This can help prevent and combat athletes foot/other fungal infections.
Sanitary pads/tampons – Please bring a supply even if you do not expect to use them.
Travel towel/sarong – Don’t bring a big thick towel as it won’t dry quickly enough.
Binoculars – These are really useful to help you spot the wildlife. 8 X 40 are the best to bring.
Camera – You will have lots of opportunities to take pictures but please bring a waterproof carrying case or zip lock bag for the camera.
Notebook and pencils – Try to keep a field diary of your activities and species seen.
Wellington/Rubber boots – These are essential for the forest as you are often walking through flooded parts of the forest.
Old tennis shoes/sneakers/teva style sandals – Useful to have on your feet when walking out to dive boats on the marine site.
Sandals/flip flops – 1 pair
Lightweight long baggy trousers – 3-4 pairs
Shorts – 2-3 pairs, preferably ones you can wear in the water
Fleece top – Useful for the boat based surveys.
T-shirts – 7. Don’t forget to buy your opwall t-shirt here!
Long sleeved shirt – 2
Swim suit/bikini/board shorts – 1
Socks – Enough for 1 week. Hiking socks worn over cotton socks can be better for long treks.
Underwear – Enough for 2 weeks.
Sunglasses – A good pair are helpful to protect your eyes from the glare reflected from the water.
Nightwear/Pyjamas – You will be in shared accommodation!
Proof of dive qualification – If you are already a qualified diver, we will require proof of your dive qualifications on site. We do accept non-PADI qualifications, as long as it is equivalent to or more advanced than PADI Open Water.
All the equipment listed below is essential for diving projects. You can bring your own or hire onsite (with the exception of the wetsuit and rash vest).
Hire costs will be included in your final invoice.
Buoyancy Control Device
Regulator
Fins
Mask and snorkel
Wetsuit – You will need a 3mm full length as a minimum.
Rash vest – Can be worn under a wetsuit when it is cold.
Dive watch/computer or waterproof watch – A timing device is a requirement under PADI regulations for qualified divers. However you will always be with Divemasters who are timing the dives. You can buy a simple Casio W800 watch waterproof to 100m (not that you will be going any deeper than 18 metres – however they are more reliable) for approximately £15 on Amazon.
Although every expedition will have its own medical supplies, and medical teams on site, you MUST carry your own personal medical kit
Antihistamine tablets
Antihistamine/hydrocortisone cream
Paracetamol
Ibuprofen
Rehydration salts
Plasters/band aids
Alcohol wipes
Sea/travel sickness tablets
Prescribed medications
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